Penis Size: Big, Bigger, Best? Does Penis Enlargement Work?

Ever wonder why Michelangelo’s David has that horrible look of concern on his face? Well, its not because he was worried about facing Goliath. He was worried about being immortalized in marble for all eternity, with a teeny weenie. Just compare the size of his hand to his member!

Seriously though, penis size is no laughing manner. Many men have anxiety over the size of their penis and negative self-body issues because of it. This in turn hinders their self-esteem, and increases performance anxiety which can lead to an unsatisfactory sex life.

Does Size Matter?

That depends on who you ask. If you ask medical professionals they would say unless there was something medically wrong with your penis, size doesn’t matter.

Ask a sexologist and they will tell you size doesn’t matter because a small penis (2” or longer) is efficient to reach the G-spot in women and stimulate it, therefore a larger penis will not satisfy your partner more or make you a better lover, just as having larger breasts won’t make you better at breastfeeding.

However, if you ask a guy who believes he has a small penis, you will probably find out that it affects him greatly. In one study, only 55% of men were satisfied by the size of their penis.[i] Unfortunately, men are targeted just as much as women about their sex appeal and appearance, with negative stereotypes about body image rampant in media and porn. We are inundated in our inboxes with junk mail claims for enlargement products. Erectile dysfunction and performance issues are one of the biggest sexual problems that most men face (20% of men under 40, up to 50% of men 40 year and 70% of men 70 years and older).[ii] Is it any wonder that many men feel inadequate about the size of their penis and want to measure up?

What is “Normal” Penis Size?

According to various studies, researches say the average penis size is 3.5 inches flaccid and 5.1 – 5.7 inches when erect.[iii] There are no studies done on average porn star penis size, but the consensus is anywhere from 7 inches to 13 inches in length. “In a study of men who sought medical help for concerns about having a small penis, 62% of men said their concerns began in childhood as a result of comparing penis size to that of their friends [and] just over 37% of men say their concern about penis size began after seeing porn.”[iv]

So, the majority of penis size issues seem to be about visual comparison, rather than performance. Regardless, it is still an issue that affect men’s self-esteem and masculinity.

Does Penis Enlargement Work?

There is much controversy over whether vacuum pumps can increase penis size or not. While some men maintain penis pumps can, over time, permanently increase penis length and girth, there is no medical evidence supporting this claim.

The majority of the sources I found by medical professionals say that “most” penis enlargement techniques don’t work. Enlargement products like pills, potions, exercises and penis enlargement devices don’t work, according to one Psychology Today author and surgery will leave you butchered.[v] In fact, most penis enhancing surgeries have shown little results and the side effects include nerve damage, erectile dysfunction, infections, reduced sensitivity and scarring which can leave the penis even smaller.

That said, there are ways to increase size temporarily.

Penis Pumps

Penis pumps (also called vacuum pumps or VCDs) stretch the penis using a vacuum to allow for greater blood flow and are a useful and non-evasive way to temporarily enlarge the penis and to treat erectile dysfunction.

According to Webmd, “Studies suggest that about 50%-80% of men are satisfied with the results of VCDs” when used to treat ED.[vi]

Cock Rings

Erection rings (aka cock rings) help maintain an erection by restricting the blood from flowing from the penis back to the body. They also provide a small – albeit temporary – boost in size.

Herbal Creams and Remedies

Herbal treatments and intimacy enhancement creams may be effective for increasing libido, as well as enhancing blood flow into the penis.

How do Vacuum Pumps Work?

Penis pumps suck the air from around the penis, creating a vacuum effect, which then urges the blood to flow into the shaft of the penis causing an erection. When used on a regular basis (approximately 10 minutes daily) penis pumps help to keep the penis in good working order, because getting regular erections is good for penis health. Penis pumps should not be used over 20 minutes at a time, nor should you over-pump to blister the penis or feel pain.

Vacuum devices should be used in conjunction with erection rings which trap the blood in the penis, thus maintaining the erection. Continued use of vacuum pumps with erection rings can help boost confidence, and aid men in overcoming psychological issues related to penis envy and performance anxiety. Many men who use this treatment on a regular basis will enjoy improvement on how the penis feels, enhanced function as well as the ability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.